Telemedicine in the Current New Normal: Opportunities and Barriers

Abstract

The prominence and potentials of telemedicine as an appropriate and efficient instrument for addressing, improving, and sustaining health becomes apparent in the current new normal. A blended approach comprising both classical and telemedicine practices is going to be the current new normal in healthcare. Therefore, the authors explore telemedicine at a glance and the roles of Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in telemedicine. Furthermore, success factors, opportunities, and barriers concerning telemedicine implementations are discussed in the chapter. In this context, theoretical and practical inferences are also presented. The chapter discusses success factors and underlines the promising future empowered by recent IoT and AI technologies. The current COVID-19 pandemic and characteristics of Generation Y and Z are significant opportunities. Legislation and regulation issues, inequalities regarding access, and infrastructure costs are seen as the main barriers. The authors comprehensively reviewed the pertinent literature and applications and discussed the relevant issues by incorporating their views and judgments. This chapter contributes to the body of knowledge concerning telemedicine practices empowered with IoT and AI in the current new normal, success factors, opportunities, and barriers. This contribution improves the pertinent knowledge and is going to be valuable for relevant researchers and policymakers in ensuring the effectiveness and efficiency of telemedicine practices.